Sen. London Lamar: Special session ‘an insult’ to victims of gun violence

Tennessee Senate recesses with no new gun safety reforms

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, chairwoman of the Senate Democrats, issued a statement today reacting to the first four days of Gov. Bill Lee’s special session on public safety.

“Like many concerned parents, we came to this special session to fight for legislation to protect our children from gun violence. But Republicans would not even allow a debate on real gun safety solutions. It’s an embarrassment. This special session has been an insult to victims and survivors of gun violence.”

Gov. Lee called lawmakers back for special session in response to a March school shooting in Nashville that left three 9-year-old students and three staff members dead. Police said the shooter had a mental health disorder.

Following the tragedy, the Republican governor asked lawmakers in his party to consider legislation that would allow law enforcement to remove firearms from a person who poses a credible danger to themselves or others.

This week, Senate Republicans refused to consider the governor’s proposal and after blocking every single other new gun safety proposal — without debate, the Republican majority voted today to adjourn for a three-day weekend.

The Tennessee Senate is scheduled to reconvene at 4 p.m. Aug. 28.